Succeeded or failed?

I took EIKEN, an English proficiency test in Japan, last Sunday. I thought I would pass it just afer finishing it. However, checking the answers next day, I was shocked to know the result might be worse than I had expected. As I cannot grade an essay part by myself, the final score has not been unknown yet. I wish I could pass it this time, because it was my 8th challenge since the fall of 2004. The final score will be notified in two weeks. I'm really anxious about the result.

I have problem with memorizing new words, because I am not as young as other students. Do you know the tip for it? Does anyone know how to memorize them effectively? Another problem is listening. I don't think listening part is too difficult, but I cannot catch the details what the speakers say. Does anyone know how to catch the details of listening part of the test correctly?